Holistic, integrative and creative. What does this mean?
That I view you and all my clients as an integrated whole with interrelated experiences of body, mind, physiology and psychology.
That I consider the intersectionality of your and all my clients' affective and cognitive, physical and spiritual experiences and beliefs.
That I integrate theories, concepts and techniques from different voice training and psychological and therapeutic approaches to ensure the needs of each individual are being met.
That I work both personally and professionally to bring my authentic, responsive and creative abilities into our working relationship.
That research informs my practice and a reflective evaluation of my practice informs my research, which includes the preparation I do for each client and informs my ongoing professional development through continued training.
Harnessing techniques from the Accent Method and Linklater's approach to a Free Natural Voice, as well as Conversation Analysis and the creative use of the arts, I will support you to communicate your message with clarity and confidence. Through physical and narrative storytelling and attention to vocal and performance technique, I will support you to embody your voice and to present as the strong, authoritative leader you are and imagine yourself to be.
Who am I?
I'm an Executive Vocal Presence Coach and Sustained Dialogue facilitator based in London, UK, working both in-person and online. I work with individuals and teams to develop better technical voice use as well as addressing any psychological and emotional obstacles that may block the flow and impact of a confident, free and effective voice. My coaching crosses multiple borders: from public-speaking, internal/ external communications, presentation and media coaching, to the fundamental improvement of working and personal relationships.
As a Therapeutic Arts Coach, I work with individuals and groups to develop a more creative approach to work, life, relationship-building and problem-solving.
My client-base is varied reflecting the both the deep need for voice work in all communications as well as my multi-faceted background: in performance, publishing, third sector industries, education.
Few understand the intricacy of the vocal mechanism and, yet, most of us use it as one of our primary tools for relationship building and communication. Talk is action; we do it beautifully even when not in the same room: we don't need to see each other for something said - something voiced - to be infinitely powerful. This work isn't always comfortable or easy, but it is a vital element of communication and leadership, and an element that is often forgotten.
There are many communication myths. As well as being mindful of avoiding believing these myths, it's also important to work on your voice with a trained vocal coach, rather than someone whose specialism is in another topic. Head over to some Frequently Asked Questions to find out more about this.
What do I do?
Qualifications
My specialist knowledge lies in bringing together expertise in technical voicing, nuanced understanding of the creation and impact of communication through language, alongside lived experience of as well as therapeutic training in the emotional and psychological qualities of voice. I am adept at working both in-person and online.
In addition to my Vocal Pedagogy (Coaching & Teaching) Diploma, I have more than fifteen years’ experience working with spoken and singing voice. My twenty-year career as an actor and singer means I understand precisely the benefits and challenges of voice training, while ten years as an in-house and freelance editor in trade publishing (fiction, memoir and non-fiction) and a commitment to Conversation Analysis (studying live talk in action) have given me a vital understanding of narrative, language, and their effect on audiences.
I hold a Masters in English (Lit. & Lang.), Postgraduate Diplomas in Vocal Pedagogy and Acting, and am an associate of the London Academy of Dramatic Art, as well as an alumnus of Cambridge University and The Oxford School of Drama. I am an Associate Senior Lecturer for Universtiy of Essex and University of Wales Trinity St David , and as Senior Lecturer for Voice Study Centre, UK, I teach on and support the running of their Vocal Pedagogy Masters training. Dedicated to bringing theory to practice to underpin an effective, rigorous and holistic coaching, I specialise in vocal emotion communication, conversation and relationship development. My articles have been published in both the Voice and Speech Review and Psyche, I am Editor of the VASTA Voice (the Voice and Speech Association's publication) and Senior Advisor to narrative agency Bladonmore. Alongside my work commitments, I'm currently studying for an Advanced Diploma in Therapeutic Arts and Education, to further deepen my coaching practice in support of the needs I meet in clients.
Voice is multifaceted: a neurological, physiological, psychological and emotional entity. I work with clients twofold: addressing vocal technique, including concerns or issues relating to breath, phonation, pitch and prosody (the storytelling music of the voice), alongside psychological and emotional concerns (intrusive thoughts, confidence, and more). By integrating breath, sound and voice, a fully embodied expression of communication becomes possible, impact is heightened, and relationships are strengthened. Clients develop a more comfortable sound, reduced fatigue, and ever more effective interactions.
Some of my work involves helping clients navigate any disconnects they're experiencing, working to create an environment where vocal communication and intention match, where nerves don't spoil a presentation, where tension doesn't build fatigue and throttle the sound - getting in the way of powerful interactions. Clients sometimes talk of having 'different' voices: one for work, one for personal life, another for written communication. The impact of their work with me can be felt across these environments.
How I can help
As a trained and highly experienced vocal coach I work with clients to improve vocal comfort, ease and confidence. My coaching also brings together conversation analysis, neuroscience and the creative arts, to support individuals and groups to understand and improve communication, connection and meaning through use of their voice, body and language.
Whether effective questions and feedback, language and vocal emotion communication, trust-building and rapport, or improving vocal fatigue, leadership style, public speaking and confidence, I tailor sessions and workshops to suit your needs. This ensures you, your team, and those around you can engage in meaningful, confident communication, able to improve understanding as well as to regroup and repair if misunderstandings do occur.
You are very welcome to email me directly at [email protected] or to use the form below just to make contact, and I will progress things from there. I look forward to hearing from you.